The six new teams from the division are split evenly between those relegated from the National League and those promoted from step 3.
Ebbsfleet United return to the division after two seasons at step 1. The last time they were National League South – in 202/23 – they won the title at at canter, finishing 20 points clear of nearest rivals Dartford. The Reds, who were new to the division that season finished a very creditable fourth but lost heavily to the Fleet on both occasions – 6-0 at home and 7-2 away.
Joining them in dropping down are Dagenham and Redbridge and Maidenhead United.
The Daggers competed as high as League One as recently as 2010-11, eventually relegated from the Football League in 2015/16.
The following season, their first in the National League, they were beaten 2-1 in the FA Trophy by the Rebels – the last time the two teams met each other.
It was that same season that Maidenhead United were National League South champions, competition at step one ever since, despite being in the relegation places when the 2019/20 was curtailed owing to the COVID—19 pandemic.
The outcome of the final table was decided on a points-per-game basis, with the Magpies narrowly spared from relegation at the expense of Ebbsfleet United by just 0.002 of a point.
Isthmian League champions Horsham will play in National League South for the very first time after a dramatic title win, secured on the final day by virtue of goal difference. They went into their fixture with Hashtag United behind Billericay Town, who won their match with Cheshunt 4-2, but the Hornets 5-1 victory lifted them into top spot.
They’ve tasted victory at Woodside Road as recently as last season when they knocked the Reds out of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup on penalties on their way to winning the trophy for a second consecutive season.
Dom Di Paola’s squad includes former Worthing favourites Danny Barker, Reece Myles-Meekums and Harvey Sparks.
Dover Athletic return after just one season away courtesy of a play-off victory in Isthmian League Premier Division.
They only secured they’re position in the play-offs with a final day win over top 5 rivals Chichester City but went on to achieve promotion thanks to away wins over the teams that finished 2rd (Billericay Town) and 3rd (Dartford).
Completing the fresh faces to the division are AFC Totton who were play-off winners in Southern League Premier Division South and boast former Burnley, QPR, Southampton and West Brom forward Charlie Austin amongst their ranks.
The National League South play-off final is set to take place this weekend between Boreham Wood and Maidstone United, the loser of which will complete the line up for next season.
National League South 2025/26
AFC Totton
Bath City
Chelmsford City
Chesham United
Chippenham Town
Dagenham & Redbridge
Dorking Wanderers
Dover Athletic
Eastbourne Borough
Ebbsfleet United
Enfield Town
Farnborough
Hampton & Richmond
Hemel Hemstead Town
Hornchurch
Horsham
Maidenhead United
Salisbury
Slough Town
Tonbridge Angels
Torquay United
Weston-super-Mare
Worthing
Boreham Wood/Maidstone United
